The Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Occupations in computer science and engineering are growing at an exponential rate. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College is committed to preparing students for careers in these critically important arenas.

Student success is our chief priority. We accomplish this goal in multiple ways, from focusing on initiatives that promote access to the Computer Science and Engineering pathways to providing top-tier research and experiential learning opportunities for our students.

We’re especially proud of the Regents’ Engineering Pathway Program (REPP), which enables students to complete two years of instruction at Perimeter then transfer to exemplary University System of Georgia institutions, such as Georgia Tech, to attain their bachelor’s in engineering.

Our teams of award-winning and accomplished faculty foster a dynamic environment where classroom learning is paramount and faculty and students work together, creating an engagement that leads to student success. Perimeter student projects have been recognized at national conferences, and teams have been among the top 10 finalists at the Community College Innovation Challenge sponsored by the National Science Foundation and American Association of Community Colleges.

Students studying here also are accepted into prestigious and highly competitive Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs), including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Duke University, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech and the University of Pennsylvania.

A strong combination of academics, engagement and service helps to produce leaders and create solutions to 21st century challenges in the burgeoning fields of computer science and engineering.

Pathways

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economics and Statistics Administration reports that job positions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have been projected to grow 17 percent between 2008 and 2018. The administration cites the bulk of these jobs (71 percent) will be in computing, followed by traditional engineering at 16 percent.

Georgia State University created the Perimeter College Department of Computer Science and Engineering in July 2016 to address the expanding demand for workers in these industries. The disciplines are part of the Division of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering.

Our mission is to increase access and the success of students choosing and prepared for academic work leading to degrees and careers in computer science and engineering. The department goals, aligned with the university’s strategic plan, include development of a dynamic academic community where excellence in teaching, service to the community and engagement in scholarly activities help to produce leaders and create solutions to conquer the challenges of the 21st century.

One of the country’s most innovative and successful programs, MESA provides support for educationally disadvantaged students so they excel in math and science and graduate with baccalaureate degrees in science, engineering, computer science and other math-based fields. MESA students benefit from academic excellence workshops, academic advising/counseling, assistance with the transfer process to a four-year institution, career advising, summer research/internship opportunities and links to student and professional organizations.

The University System of Georgia’s Regents’ Engineering Pathways (REP) program was originally established in 1986 as the Regents Engineering Transfer Program (RETP) to expand the availability of engineering education opportunities at a select number of USG institutions. The program later expanded to all USG institutions. In its current structure, students complete two or more years of engineering pathway courses at participating University System of Georgia institutions and then transfer to Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University or the University of Georgia to complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

This program assists in the university-wide goal of increasing scholarship support to attract and retain students, particularly women and minorities, who want to study science, technology, engineering and math. Program participants are those who have demonstrated a financial need and will benefit from engagement with scientists and engineers currently working in the field and from mentoring programs and programs to enhance critical thinking skills.

Message from the Department Chair

Welcome to the Department of Computer Science and Engineering! We are dedicated faculty committed to increasing access and to the diligent preparation of students seeking degrees and rewarding careers in computer science and engineering. Our philosophy is one of excellence in teaching, engagement in the community and creating exceptional educational experiences that encourage intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and innovation.

Our computer science and engineering faculty are vastly experienced in material science, mechanical engineering, software engineering, human computer interaction, engineering education and computer science education. We are home to a Cole Fellow, the college’s highest award given annually to a faculty member, as well as a professor doing research in Africa and another invited to the White House to discuss STEM equity and inclusion.

Located at five campuses throughout the metro Atlanta and online, we offer a variety of courses that lead to an Associate of Science degree, while also preparing students for transfer to a four-year degree program or to enter the workforce. Our students benefit from working with and learning from world-class faculty who challenge them to not only find creative solutions for existing problems, but to become independent thinkers who probe skillfully. After all, as noted American computer scientist Grace Hopper said, “We’ve tended to forget that no computer will ever ask a new question.”

Dr. Cynthia Lester
Chair, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Georgia State University Perimeter College

Testimonials

“My time with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Perimeter College exposed me to modern lab facilities and a well-structured curriculum to develop my skills. I built a strong knowledge base, which made my transition into Georgia Tech a smooth one. With a dedicated and experienced faculty body, concepts were clearly taught and backed with real-life examples. This has allowed me to be on competitive ground with traditional students who started at Georgia Tech as freshmen. My non-traditional transfer background also makes me a sought-after candidate for prestigious internship and research opportunities.”